London, UK – On the cusp of launching its new MICRA EV, Nissan has given one of its wildest creations, the mid-engined Micra 350SR, a 'restomod' refresh for its 23rd birthday – it's 'Ni-San' anniversary* – with a fresh look, updated components and even Apple Carplay.
Based on a Sunderland-built 2002 Micra K12 and created by the racing team behind Nissan's 1990s British Touring Car successes, Nissan GB originally commissioned the Micra 350SR more than twenty years ago to demonstrate the Micra platform's adaptability and to celebrate the model's little-known racing pedigree in Japanese motorsport.
The madcap Micra 350SR is powered by the 3.5-litre block from a Murano with headers from a 350Z, NISMO high-lift cams and induction, plus a modified ECU, taking power from 265hp to around 300hp – and with only 1200kg to propel, performance can be conservatively described as 'more than adequate'. Over the past two decades, the car has been displayed at Nissan events and loaned to journalists – but time marches on and, with 2025 marking its 'Ni-San' anniversary, plus a sixth-generation Micra just around the corner, the 350SR deserved a well-earned refresh.
To help, Nissan GB turned to the designers at Nissan Design Europe in Paddington, London – the same team responsible for the new MICRA EV and who dreamt up the incredible Concept 20-23 showcar. Both MICRA EV and Concept 20-23 share design DNA with the K12, notably in their rounded lights and silhouette.
The team felt it was important to respect the car's heritage and place in Nissan's history, so chose to adopt a light-touch 'restomod' approach. Nissan Design Europe's young designers, who were already familiar with the 350SR, developed a new exterior look that gives a nod to the car's original livery, while visually bringing the car up to date.
The design combines a satin 'liquid silver' base with blue highlights and fresh graphics based on Nissan's new '=III 23' iconography, which appears on both the new MICRA and new LEAF, and was inspired by the rear lights of the legendary 300ZX. The grille and lower parts are finished in gloss black, along with the original, newly refurbished 18-inch RAYS 350Z alloys. LED headlights with semi-circular daytime running lights complete the car's new look, while referencing both the new MICRA and providing a brighter and safer view of the road ahead.
Inside, the interior has been updated with new seats and harnesses, plus a 9in touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto for navigation and entertainment. Although this allows drivers to stream music through the car's new speakers, it's a feature best reserved for cruising or while parked, because the engine retains all of its aural extravagance.
The refreshed Micra 350SR will make its debut on 15th May at the 2025 SMMT Test Day at Millbrook Proving Ground – the same venue used during its development over 20 years ago. Journalists are advised to get in touch as soon as possible, should they wish to sample this unique part of the Nissan Micra's long heritage.
* The number '23' has earned special significance to Nissan because the brand's name sounds like the Japanese pronunciation of '2' (ni) and '3' (san), and the number has adorned its NISMO racing cars for almost 40 years.
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